Busy week for Manchester Co-op Preschool!

Gallons of fun at the co-op preschool Chili Cookoff last Saturday!

It has been a busy week for the co-op preschool, starting with participating in the lighted Christmas parade last Friday night, continuing with the annual auction fundraiser and chili cook-off last Saturday, and culminating with the kids' Christmas program on Dec. 9!

The preschool's annual fundraiser was a great success, grossing more than $7,000 for the school coffers, which helps to finance curriculum needs as well as provide scholarships for families who struggle with tuition costs.

Brandi Bennett, director of the preschool, said that the auction garnered a great turn-out from the community, which really helped the bottom line. "It was a lot of fun and the community was super supportive," she added.

Chili Cook-Off winners were Bev Earhart and the father-son duo of Craig and Mark VanBogelen.

The preschool program involved the three- and four-year-old classes, and there was also a special guest reader after the program--kindergarten teacher Mrs. Suzanne Birgy.

The four and five-year old co-op preschoolers during their holiday performance.

The three year olds are encouraged by Ms. Anneke during their segment of the holiday program.

Mrs. Suzanne Birgy read a holiday story to the preschoolers following their program on Friday night.

Co-op preschool teachers Anneke Marshall (center) and Brandi Bennett (right) are joined by Anneke's sister, Irene Schafer (left), at the cook-off.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.